Skinprotection:Sunscreens and UV irradiation
There is evidence that in spite of worldwide campains against excessive sun exposure, children as well as adults still spend long periods in the sun. UV-B irradiation (UVR) of the host, in both humans and animal models, induces dose-relatd acute and chronic changes in skin which include erythema and photoageing, and induction of cancer. It can also induce modulation of immune responses of the host to antigens presented following irradiation. UV-induced DNA damage appears to play an essential role in skin carcinogenesis. Following acute UV irradiation, there is an overexpression of normal P53 protein in epidermal keratinocytes, representing a physiological response to DNA damage. Sun protection through topical sunscreens or clothing is believed to reduce the hazardous effects of UV irradiation and subsequently the risk of skin cancer.
A research group from Sweden have examined the effects of an SPF 15 topical sunscreen and the blue denim fabric (SPF 1700) in chronically sun-exposed human skin after sun exposure during a normal summer. Skin biopsies from sun-protected and sun-exposed skin were compared with respect to immunohistochemically detectable P53. Their results show a significant reduction of p53-positive cells in sun-protected skin as compared with sun-exposed skin.
The use of sunscreen products has been advocated by many health practitioners as a means to reduce skin damage produced by UV-irradiation from sunlight. But there is a need to better understand the efficacy and safety of sunscreen products given this ongoing campaign encouraging their use
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